CHOC Children's - CHOC Children's Stories

CHOC Children's Stories

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These are real-life CHOC stories featuring our doctors, nurses, associates and patients. These dramatic profiles offer glimpses into the complex world of pediatric medicine and underscore how CHOC provides the most advanced medical care for Orange County’s critically ill or injured children.

OUR STORIES
	Gail Diabetic Teen Completes Run of her Life

	William William, now healthy and happy, became “The Best Eater” among his kindergarten classmates!

	Dr. Goodman Dr. Gary Goodman is a "Hospital Hero"

	Olivia A fragile beginning strengthened her heart.

	Faith Faith doesn't let anything slow her down.

	Kameelah Kameelah Williams’ warm smile greets every patient who enters CHOC Children’s preoperative unit.

	Colin Colin was diagnosed with rare chromosome disorder. After several months in the CHOC NICU, he was finally able to go home.

	Carla Carla Daum has a passion for working with oncology patients.

	Nancy Nancy Kuntz has been working with pediatric blood and marrow transplant (BMT) patients since 1985.

	Amanda Amanda is healthy and happy after quick diagnosis and treatment by team of pediatric experts at CHOC.

	The Anaheim Ducks Anaheim Ducks flock to CHOC to spread cheer to patients and their families.

	Colette Being a case coordinator allows Colette to be an advocate for the Cancer Institute’s leukemia patients.

	Camron Camron receives life-saving surgery after being transferred to the PICU at CHOC at Mission.

	Dr. Chang Renowned specialist leads the CHOC Heart Institute with the Japanese philosophy of kaizen top of mind.

	Derek Derek came to us with water on the brain, and now, thanks to an advanced surgical procedure, he's back in the pool.

	Monique For the first 2 months of her life, Monique was fighting to survive. Today she faces a normal, healthy childhood.

	Dr. Zupanc Dr. Mary Zupanc is the medical director of the CHOC Children’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program and chief of the division of neurology.

	Juan Thanks to the CHOC Heart Institute, Baby Juan will grow up to steal the hearts of many admirers.

	Nathan When you're only one of a handful of kids on earth to have a rare form of cancer, where else on earth would you go?

	Barbara Because of her family’s history of cancer, Barbara McDavid decided when she was still a little girl that she wanted to work with cancer patients.

	Nathan Nathan Akiyoshi receives surgery at CHOC to repair holes in heart.

	Jesse Wishing to help kids less fortunate than himself, Jesse ran 124 miles to raise money for CHOC.

	Katie Like many girls her age, our five-year-old daughter Katie Gerberding of Orange County enjoyed playing with her friends, her older brother Kyle, creating artwork and being a kid. With her bright eyes, long blonde hair and an electric smile, Katie lived a normal life of any healthy kindergartener.

	Mary Ella and Justina Young philanthropists use their talents to raise money for CHOC.

	Garrett Shortly after Garrett was born, his parents received the news that he had a quadruple heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot, which only occurs in about two out of every 10,000 births, and he would unfortunately need surgery once he reached 11 lbs.

	Christy Child life Specialist Christy Campo Makes Cancer a Little Less Scary

	Alexa Walking for the Gift of Life.

	Gene As a father and a second-generation male nurse, Gene Paredes enjoys educating new dads.

	Ryan The Christopher Family's Nightmare Gets Happy Ending - Thanks to the CHOC Orthopaedic Institute.

	Cynthia Cynthia's passion for CHOC is evident in everything she does on - and off - the job!

	Paige CHOC was there for the Harmon family when the unexpected happened.

	Shanna CHOC Children’s Child Life Specialist Shanna clearly remembers the day she was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 14.

	Vinny Diabetes doesn't slow top ranked baseball player.

	Juleah CHOC Children’s has been Juleah Walsh’s home away from home since 2002 when she began working at CHOC as a nursing assistant.

	Kenta It all started on a beautiful spring day in Mission Viejo when Kenta discovered the perfect pirate accessory – a stick.

	Julene For more than 20 years Julene Schenk has been caring for cancer patients at CHOC Children’s.

	Dr. Dhar Vijay Dhar, M.D. specializes in neonatal critical care, with particular interests in cytokines, nitric oxide, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and high-frequency oscillating ventilation (HFOV) performed at CHOC.

	Amelia Passion and dedication are two words that only begin to describe Amelia Barragan’s commitment to CHOC Children’s patients and families.

	Dr. Yost CHOC pediatric anesthesiologist Paul Yost, MD, has uncovered a few “remedies” to help children relax before heading into the operating room.

	Sarah An ordinary trip to the grocery store becomes an extraordinary experience for a CHOC nurse - and one frantic mother

	Dr. Kabeer A core part of Dr. Mustafa Kabeer’s philosophy of care is to treat patients as if they are his own children.

	Ruth Ruth McCarty addresses the whole mind, body and spirit of the patient through the use of alternative therapies.

	Maria Maria thought her progressive scoliosis condition would confine her to a wheelchair, but everything changed when she came to CHOC.

	Mickey and Friends The Walt Disney Companies and CHOC share a vision of bringing a smile to children's faces.

	Nathasha After being diagnosed with CCHS, a rare breathing disorder, baby Nathasha would soon prove her strength to everyone, thanks to CHOC NICU's state-of-the-art care.

	Tina "I love my job because I still get to work directly with patients but also have the opportunities to work hard behind the scenes and be part of treatment outcomes,"

	Alexis For many teens, senior year of high school is full of excitement, anticipation and reflection.

	Cassidy Cassidy started Kindergarten last July, one month after the major open-heart surgery that saved her life.

	Lauren Lauren Gray describes life at "Camp CHOC" during her stay for surgery to correct Pectus Excavatum.

	Linda Linda Glenn, clinical director of CHOC Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), is proud of the technical skill and compassionate dedication of her nursing team.

	Julie "I am proud that our team has been ahead of the curve in finding new and innovative ways to reach out to and treat teen and young adult patients."

	Gwen Stefani Gwen Stefani's fashion sense enabled her to help one of her favorite charities--CHOC.

	Haley CHOC Children’s focus on family-centered care speaks to Haley’s own personal care philosophies.

	Mason Emergency Brain Surgery Saved Mason's Life

	Dr. Abdenur Dr. Abdenur and his team are blazing new trails in the field of metabolic disorders - helping save precious lives

	Danny Danny Allan, RN, Brings Experience as a Patient to his Role as a CHOC Caregiver

	Madison Madison and her family found more than just answers at the CHOC Children’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program.

	Kathleen Kathleen Adlard is full of passion for our patients.

	Garrett Bone marrow transplant to treat myelogenous leukemia causes development of Graft versus Host Disease

	Jackson Jackson's Cancer is in Remission - Thanks to CHOC

	Dr. Muhonen World-class neurosurgeon, Michael Muhonen,M.D., treats his patients and their parents as though they were family.

	Christina Type I diabetes has not kept Christina off the playing field.

	Paige Life is an adventure for a young girl that has endured five open-heart surgeries, leg amputations and a skeletal deformity.

	Dr. Lam Dr. Lam went from gravely-ill child to Pediatric Pioneer.

	Mark CIO Mark Headland keeps patients connected to what's important in life.

	Adam Baby Survives Rare Congenital Disorder

	Nadia Nadia came to us with heart failure, liver failure and kidney failure. Today we consider her an amazing success.

	Evi Evi embarked on a journey that included successful scoliosis surgery and the decision to pursue a career at CHOC.

	Shirley and Eleanore CHOC Volunteers help bring smiles to the Hospital's most intense floor.

	Johnny Johnny knew that eventually he would come to CHOC for treatment - but not until he was ready.

	Keturah Immediately after birth, Keturah was diagnosed with Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis making it difficult for her to breathe and eat on her own.

	Spencer Spencer's 2-year nightmare ended with innovative IVIG therapy

	Jessica Jessica Oviatt is a child life specialist and has worked at CHOC Children’s since moving to California from Missouri in 2006.

	Nicole "Our jobs are heartbreaking and rewarding all at once. I know I never want to work anywhere else. Ever."

	Erica 5-year old girl survives congenital heart condition and fatal lung disease.

	Janet Janet and the rest of the After Cancer Treatment Survivorship (ACTS) team have dedicated themselves to helping cancer survivors navigate life after treatment.

	Miles Mother and son bond during the road to recovery.

	Megan Megan El-Hinn was destined to be an oncology nurse. In fact, you might say that it is in her blood.

	Nicole Blood donations from friends and family helped save Nicole's life.

	Zoe A second opinion gave Zoe the chance to look forward to a normal childhood.

	Riley The Meuniers find answers - and life-saving treatment - at CHOC

	Dr. Minon Dr. Minon shows her strong commitment to CHOC and the community it serves.

	Garrett Garrett thinks he's a super hero. Thanks to the super team of doctors and nurses at CHOC, he's now a thriving 3-year-old.

	Liz Diabetes Educator Liz Beko Helps Patient Get His Holiday Wish

	Cianna Cianna's poor vision does not dull her bright vision of the future.

	The Griffith Family The Griffith Family hopes to create a legacy of philanthropic values for generations to come.

	Megan, Matthew and Jacob The Triumphant Trio and the Calamities they Clobbered.

	Talan Mari Smith learned that faith and trust in CHOC's NICU team - and in her son's strength - made all the difference in their journey home.

	Spencer When Spencer began having seizures, his mother had no idea what kind of battle lay ahead for her little boy.

	Cesar Cesar Galvan is able to walk again thanks to treatment and physical therapy at CHOC.

	Seth Like most kids, seven-year-old Seth couldn't wait to grow up.

	Kim CEO Kimberly Cripe epitomizes those who work tirelessly for the well-being of children.

	Nina Nina Subramanian was brought to CHOC where doctors successfully removed her brain tumor with risky surgery.

	Ryen Intense Feeding Therapy Frees Young Boy from G-Tube

	Dr. Winokur Dr. Robert Winokur loves being a host - at home and in the emergency department.

	Brianna 1-year old survives nearly fatal infection

	Danny Former CHOC Patient Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Successful Transplant

	Dr. Lubinsky Dr. Paul Lubinsky Provides Intensive Care to Children - and their Parents

	Sarah Sarah loves robots. Especially the one that saved her life.

	Christopher Christopher's attitude and outgoing personality helped him survive his cancer.

	Marcos Right from the start, Marcos Di Pinto, Ph.D., is involved with each neuro-oncology patient at the Cancer Institute.

	Anita As a member of the CHOC preoperative nursing team, Anita helps children prepare for surgeries and procedures.

	Zachary CHOC Doctor Uses Minimally Invasive Procedure To Correct Chest Deformity

	Jenee Jenee, a two-time survivor, knows what it is like to live through and be treated for cancer as a teen and young adult.

	Brett Outstanding research efforts enable Brett to live with CF

	Michael Micheal Driscoll was 15 when he was diagnosed with stage III melanoma. Today, he is in remission.

	Ryan Fast thinking and a quick response by the CHOC at Mission trauma team helped save a young boy's life.

	Lance CHOC NICU Graduate Scores a Big Victory

	Michele Michele prides herself on making the surgery process less stressful for our patients and their families.

	Danielle CHOC Nurse and CHOC radio Volunteer Danielle Vasquez is a Kid at Heart.

	Dr. Sender Dr. Sender strives to give the best care anywhere.

	Sarah Sarah Birdzell only weighed 1 1/2 pounds at birth.

	Hunter Hunter's mom didn't plan for a premature delivery. Luckily we did.

	Sara Sara suffered from cerebral palsy, and came to the CHOC Neuroscience Institute for treatment.

	Dr. Kukreja Tiny patients inspire doctor to run big race in their honor.

	Dr. Krumins Dr. Krumins remembers how it feels to be a kid.

	Ron The teamwork involved in caring for our patients makes CHOC unique, especially in preoperative unit.

	Susan "Joining the nursing team was an easy decision to make based on CHOC Children's reputation in the nursing community."

	Ron "From the first time I cared for a young child and was able to calm his fears and make the 'hurt' go away, I was hooked."

	Junior Junior's mom could not afford a wheelchair for her 8 year old son, but CHOC associates made it possible.

	Zoey For Zoey's mother, the fact that Hoag and CHOC collaborated to save her daughter's life is something she will never forget.

	Linley During an ultrasound, doctors informed Linley’s parents that their little girl would be born with a cleft lip and most likely a cleft palette.

	Sheila All in a Day's Work for CHOC Nurse Sheila Dunning

	Dr. Katz Dr. KatZ has grown CHOC’s gastroenterology division to better meet the needs of the patients and families

	Dr. Downes Dr. Maureen Downes uses her experience as a working mother to help others balance work with family

	Danielle As a nurse in our preoperative unit, Danielle proudly provides care for our pediatric patients before and after surgery.

	Josie Y. S. Lee Grateful Grandmother Donates $1.5 Million to CHOC.

	Dr. Anas Dr. Anas feels a strong personal commitment to the children and parents of Orange County.

	Leandra When it came time to figure out where she wanted to start her nursing career, Leandra knew that CHOC Children’s was the place for her.

	Jace Young burn victim beats the odds after being given a 10 percent chance of survival.

	Ryan Seacrest Ryan Seacrest helped make an in-house radio station a reality for CHOC's kids.

	Dog Volunteers Pet therapy dogs play a vital role in the treatment of patients.

	Sarah Diagnosed with leukemia, Sarah gets cutting-edge treatment at the CHOC Cancer Institute.

	Dr. Aminian Internationally recognized orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Afshin Aminian finds his true calling

	Rachel Rachel Rosenblum helps comfort CHOC at Mission (CHM) patients with cuddly bears and messages of encouragement.

	Eric CHOC's Music Therapist Eric Mammen Provides Unique "Medicine" for Kids

	Jeffrey Multiple seizures interfered with Jeffrey's development and made him unable to walk or function.

	Brant Experience at CHOC leads Brant Whiting to make a positive difference in the lives of others

	Hope After seeing pictures of herself in the NICU, Hope knew exactly where she wanted her philanthropic funds to go.

	Sharon Sharon Bergeron leads the charge in ensuring our nurses are equipped to provide our patients with the superior care CHOC is known for.

	Airic Complex heart valve surgery saves boy's life.

	Dr. Clark Dr. Clark discovered her passion and brought it to CHOC.

	Sawyer Little Sawyer had a rare metabolic disease. Even more rare was the team assembled to treat him.

	Sophia The Amazing Battle of Sophia the Strong

	Della Caitlin and Chad Calder are Grateful for Second Chances

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